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Summer of 2004: TOTA European Expedition (pg. 10)
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| dEsidEL |
haha .. i wonder what's wrong with Columbia .. :D
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| mot10n |
| not too big on powdering his nose? :haha: |
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| Mako |
| He's afraid of catching the Colombian cold. Very contagious i heard. :toothless :stongue: |
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| AmbiguousBliss |
I'm up for that any day, Dan! :happy2: |
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| Crazy Serb |
^^^
same here... as long as Mute pays for my expenses, we're good to go... |
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| AmbiguousBliss |
| quote: | Originally posted by Crazy Serb
^^^
same here... as long as Mute pays for my expenses, we're good to go... |
You know what I'm talking about. ;) |
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| brunette |
Hi, have we met? :D |
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| dEsidEL |
alrite to all the travel elitists like Brunette.. this does not concern you .. :D
| quote: |
FREE INFO SESSIONS:
SWAP Talk - Work Abroad
March 23, 2004, 2 p.m.
Ryerson University
Jorgensen Hall
POD - A144
Backpacking Europe
March 23, 2004, 3:30 p.m.
Ryerson University
Jorgensen Hall
POD - A144
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| Pettiscool |
| ^^ damn , would have liked to go to this. |
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| eRRaTiK |
| quote: | Originally posted by dEsidEL
there are about 7-8 of us TOTA's who are planning on checking out parties in the UK, Sensation White/Black, Love Parade, Love from Above, and Nature One.
we're hoping to meetup with some other TA's too from different parts of the world who plan on being at these events..
don't you guys in NYTA have a similar trip planned already .. ? we should definately all co-ordinate something so we can hookup at some events ..
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REPRESENT! hello from sydney TOTA's :D
looks like a few of you will be hitting the same parties as myself and a few mates (sensation white, love from above, love parade). well hey i'm all for meeting up with some new TA's!!
not long to go :) |
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| brunette |
| quote: | Originally posted by dEsidEL
alrite to all the travel elitists like Brunette.. this does not concern you .. :D |
boo :p I'm not a travel elitist
check this out :D
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Tom Hall. The Observer. London (UK): Dec 28, 2003. pg. 18
THE 2004 HOT SPOTS: Where will switched-on travellers be heading in 2004? Which destinations are buzzing? Lonely Planet's Tom Hall suggests the top 30 places to put on your wish list for next year
1 Ride the Ghan. Australia
ONE OF THE world's great train journeys doubles in length from February. The Ghan, which previously carried intrepid travellers and rail fetishists almost 1,000 miles from Adelaide to Alice Springs, is extending a further 900 miles to Darwin, creating Australia's second transcontinental train service (the first was the Indian Pacific from Sydney to Perth). A journey straight from south to north takes 47 hours, but The Ghan can also be used as the basis for a leisurely tour of the best of central Australia.
Adelaide is a quiet city compared with bigger, bolder Melbourne and Sydney but is a good base for exploring the surrounding wineries as well as wildlife on Kangaroo Island. Head north to Alice Springs, which is a fascinating, unique place, but allow some time for exploring the MacDonnell Ranges around the town. You will need to take to the road or air to get to Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the surrounding natural wonders, but after returning to Alice you can pick up the twice-weekly Ghan to Katherine Gorge to see remarkable rock formations. Three hours down the track is the tropical boom town of Darwin with the waterfalls, rainforest and aboriginal rock art of Kakadu National Park close by.
Fares for adults are pounds 740 for a de luxe sleeper cabin, pounds 590 for a standard sleeper or pounds 185 for a reclining seat, which brings the trip into backpacker range. If that's not enough rail riding for you, it's possible to connect with the Indian Pacific train to Sydney or Perth or the Overlander to Melbourne. Austravel (0870 166 2020; www.austravel. com) can arrange flights, hotels and train bookings.
2 Ecuador and Bolivia for alternative Inca Trails
PERU'S INCA heritage is so popular with visitors that restrictions have been placed on numbers allowed onto the Inca Trail that takes trekkers to the lost city of Machu Picchu, via ancient sites and spectacular Andean passes. If you don't want to share the experience with hordes of hikers, or just want to be able to tell everyone you meet how passe the trail is, think about hitting the hills in neighbouring Ecuador or Bolivia.
If you're keen to do a walk that finishes at an Inca site, a three-day trail leads from Alausi in Ecuador along Inca pathways past mountain lakes and grassy valleys to Ingapirca, one of the most significant sites of the Inca empire. It may not have the famous name of the Inca Trail but you'll have the walk mostly to yourself and will pass lots of mysterious remains and bridges on the way, adding plenty of atmosphere to a beautiful trek.
Another option is the Choro Trail. It is one of the most popular walks in Bolivia but receives a fraction of the foot traffic of the route to Machu Picchu. It takes walkers past Inca sites and is also a busy path for locals, who use it to get themselves and goods to and from La Paz and the remote valleys they live in. It's a four- day, 45-mile walk almost completely downhill, passing through high mountains, temperate and tropical zones, the real beauty of the trail is following an ancient path through tiny villages and getting a glimpse of rural Bolivia. Flights and more information on travel to South America are available from Journey Latin America (020 8747 3108; www. journeylatinamerica.co.uk).
3 Canada's Wild East
NEW BUDGET transatlantic scheduled services by Zoom Airlines (www. zoomairlines.com) will open up eastern Canada from May. The airline will fly from Gatwick and Glasgow to Toronto and Halifax. Eastern Canada, including Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland, often gets overlooked by visitors, but it's closer to Britain and has Canadian experiences to match anywhere out west.
Wildlife is everywhere and whale-watching is excellent. The islands in the Bay of Fundy and Cape Breton in Nova Scotia are the best spots and sightings of humpback, right and finback whales are common along with dolphins and porpoises. Newfoundland and Labrador are rich in birdwatching opportunities, especially puffins and other sea birds. There's world-class walking and cycling throughout the region, particularly the 300km Confederation Trail on Prince Edward Island if you're on two wheels. If four wheels are more your thing, scenic drives are marked everywhere - the Cabot Trail through the Cape Breton National Park is best known. Colonial history enthusiasts will find Lunenburg, a World Heritage-listed town, fascinating. Also worth seeing is Louisbourg, a giant reconstruction of an eighteenth-century French settlement that shows another side of the area's past.
Halifax, Nova Scotia's capital, boasts some of the liveliest nightlife in the country with pubs, clubs and a diverse live music scene. Further north, Labrador is an excellent place to spot the N orthern L ights in winter if you're lucky with the weather. You can fly direct to Halifax or St John's from London with Air Canada (0870 524 7226; www.aircanada.com) from pounds 349. The Canadian Tourist Office (0906 871 5000; www.travelcanada.ca) can offer more on this undiscovered region.
4 City Break, Belgrade :D
IF YOU'VE SEEN Budapest and Krakow, consider heading somewhere new in Eastern Europe. Belgrade is a fast-paced modern European capital, successfully banishing the shadows of war. The city's history has deprived it of the richness of historical buildings of other capitals, but it still boasts plenty of impressive leftovers from the Austro-Hungarian empire and a fascinating citadel with architectural influences from its many occupiers.
A visit here is all about enjoying the modern architecture, dynamic atmosphere and excellent nightlife. Belgrade is best seen from the water - the city has a beautiful setting at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. If that's not enough to tempt you, the tourist office literature explains that Belgrade is a city of about two million people. More than half of them are women, renowned for their beauty, cleverness and unpredictability. Regent Holidays (0117 921 1711; www.regent-holidays.co.uk) runs city breaks to Belgrade to help anyone interested in verifying this claim.
Other new budget flight destinations for 2004 include Bratislava and Budapest with Sky Europe (020 7365 0365; www.skyeurope.com). Duo (0871 700 0700; www.duo.com) is flying to 14 cities including Berlin and Helsinki from Birmingham, and Milan and Oslo from Edinburgh.
5 Rwanda and Ethiopia back on the tourist map
FOR A REAL adventure there's never been anywhere better than Africa. Whether it's buying a four-wheel drive vehicle and heading from Cairo to Cape Town or hitting the beach in Zanzibar, the continent has a unique allure. Two countries whose reputation has suffered in the past are now perfect for seeing the best of what Africa has to offer - without the crowds.
Rwanda, landlocked and mountain ous, is best known for the gorillas that inhabit the mountain forests in the north of the country but is also home to hippos, giraffes and 670 species of birds. Half the size of Scotland but more densely populated, Rwanda has still to receive large numbers of visitors so you'll be among the first if you go there.
Ethiopia is another destination now at the cutting edge of African tourism. In a continent not best known for its historical remains, Ethiopia hides some of sub-Saharan Africa's most astonishing discoveries, from the rock churches at Lalibela to Axum's stelae and Harar's Islamic heritage.
Awash National Park has lots of wildlife to see, and everywhere you go in Ethiopia the green countryside and friendly people challenge preconceptions. Moving around the country is quick and easy. There are good-value flights on Ethiopian Airlines. Rainbow Tours (020 7226 1004; www.rainbowtours.co.uk) offers trips to these and other unusual African places.
6 Paradise, South Pacific
THE SEARCH for the next great beach destination never stops, but many offer similar luxury ingredients, giving visitors the feeling they could be anywhere. For something different - a hint of South Pacific luxury with a French twist - think about New Caledonia.
A paradise with a chequered history, the islands were once a French penal colony and remain an overseas territory of France. Gallic presence is everywhere from language to food but local Melanesian culture has an ever-growing influence over New Caledonia. The capital, Noumea, is a fun mix of great dining, picturesque bays and beautiful sea views. The Tijabou Culture Centre, a stunning piece of modern architecture, should be your first stop to find out more about the indigenous Kanak people.
All that will probably be a long way from your mind when you're strolling the white, sandy beaches or getting away from everything at the idyllic resorts of the main island, Grand Terre. If the beach becomes too much, there's diving and snorkelling on the world's second-largest coral reef.
Inland, hiking, cycling, parapenting and even caving are all on offer. Imported French goods and a high standard of living mean that New Caledonia is not a cheap place to visit. As a treat or dream destination, it offers everything you could want from a tropical paradise - plus fresh baguettes for breakfast. Tailor-made holidays are available from All Ways Travel (01494 432747; www.all- ways.co.uk).
7 New Zealand Mania part III
A REWARDING detour from the usual Lord of the Rings route through the central North Island hot spots of Rotorua and Lake Taupo - still pulling crowds with the final part of the film trilogy now out - is to take in the Pacific Coast Highway. Close by, the Coromandel Peninsula has forests, rivers and beaches that are well off the beaten track. Visitors can take an impromptu spa at Hot Water Beach by digging a hole and letting it fill with naturally heated waters. Currents can be strong: this is a place for steaming, not swimming. Past the quiet agricultural area of the Bay of Plenty is the East Cape, where the wild, rocky scenery and Maori culture form the backdrop to viewing one of the world's earliest sunrises. Te Urewera National Park is one of the North Island's best parks for hiking, and there are plenty of options for swimming and surfing.
A real treat comes at the end of the highway in Napier, an Art Deco delight of a city with a lively atmosphere in the middle of excellent wine-producing country. Visit during February's Art Deco Weekend (www.artdeconapier. com) - it's a great time to learn more about the architecture and history of the city. Tourism New Zealand (09050 606060; www.newzealand.com) has more information on the land of the Long White Cloud.
8 Capital of Culture Genoa :cool:
OF NEXT year's two European capitals of culture, Genoa (www.genova-2004.it) is not as familiar to British visitors as close- to-home Lille. If you haven't been, this is the perfect time to see one of Italy's lesser-known cities.
Genoa's naval heritage - the city is also the birthplace of Christopher Columbus - can be explored in the rejuvenated and bustling port through the new Museum of Sea and Navigation and a huge display charting the history of transatlantic ocean liners. The Age of Rubens exhibition at the Palazzo Ducale (20 March to 11 July) celebrates Genoa's historical connection with great art and includes many works commissioned or historically owned by Genoese patrons. Three of the city's finest palaces are combining to form a network of outstanding art museums along Via Garibaldi.
If you want a break from the galleries and museums, there's Europe's largest medieval quarter. This maze of alleys and squares is still the living heart of the city. Genoa has plenty of what makes cities Italian, with huge numbers of fashionable youths on scooters and two passionately supported football teams, Sampdoria and Genoa, playing at the architecturally curious Luigi Ferraris Stadium.
Down the coast, the Cinque Terre offers a beautiful coastline and picturesque small towns and is a pleasant change of pace despite the crowds in the villages at busy times. The walking, scenery and weather are perfect in early summer. Getting to Genoa is easy with Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) but book as far in advance as you can, as it's sure to be popular in 2004.
9 The British Isles by Sea
THERE'S NEVER been a better time to explore the British Isles by sea. Next year, there are several options that offer unique views of Britain's coastline. The National Trust of Scotland is running a cruise taking in gardens on remote islands, such as North Uist and Colonsay, that includes a rare opportunity to see St Kilda, an archipelago 40 miles west of the Outer Hebrides. Prices for the cruise are pounds 570 to pounds 1,850 - contact the National Trust for Scotland (0131 243 9334; www.nts.org.uk).
A different holiday at sea is offered by Trinity House, the General Lighthouse Authority for England, Wales and the Channel Islands. Its flagship, Patricia, works around the coast maintaining buoys and lighthouses, often travelling to little-visited spots. The boat accepts passengers who can experience life on a working ship.
Voyages take place from mid-March to mid-October and normally start in Harwich, though Southampton and Swansea are also bases. High-quality cabins are normally available for seven days, starting at pounds 2,450 based on two people sharing. For bookings and further information contact Strand Voyages (020 7836 6363; www.strandtravel.co.uk).
10 Montenegro for sun, sea and history mmm :D :D :D :D :D :D
MONTENEGRO, sandwiched on the Adriatic coast between Croatia and Albania, is the hot new European spot for sunseekers. Rapidly emerging, beautiful and ready to charm after a period in the wilderness, the republic was a popular destination for Lord Byron and George Bernard Shaw as well as being a haunt of Hollywood stars for many years. All were drawn by the stunning coastline, deep blue sea and dramatic mountain backdrop.
Montenegro's most famous destination is Sveti Stefan, a tiny former fish ing village, which since the Sixties has been one of the most exclusive and private retreats for the rich and famous anywhere in Europe. However, to suggest Montenegro is all about one small historic town in a stunning coastal setting would be unfair.
It boasts lots of small historic towns in stunning coastal settings, and much more. Kotor is the longest fjord in the Mediterranean and home to quiet, walled towns such as Perast, Kotor Town and Tivat. Budva, another walled town on an Adriatic islet, is close to lots of idyllic beaches and is one of the most popular spots on the coast. For outdoor activity head inland to the Durmitor National Park, Lake Skadar and the Tara River Gorge for hiking, sailing and rafting respectively.
Getting to Montenegro is a breeze by boat or plane. Jat Airways (020 7629 2007; www.jat.com) fly to Tivat from London for pounds 275, or you can fly to Ancona or Bari in Italy and catch one of the regular ferries.
11 On the Cold Mountain trail, Romania
THOSE SNOWY peaks and wild forests may look like the Appalachian Mountains of the eastern United States, but much of the scenery in Cold Mountain , the American Civil War film due out in January, was actually filmed in Romania. This movie - strongly tipped for Oscars - will spotlight the attractions of this underrated destination that's suitable for holidays all year round.
Between the capital, Bucharest, and the attractive old town of Brasov there are several well developed ski resorts for alpine, wild and Nordic skiing. Continuing into Transylvania, don't miss the medieval towns of Sibiu and Sighisoara, the latter being the beautiful home of Dracula tourism.
The Carpathian Mountains are perfect for mountain biking, hiking and caving, but if outdoor activities aren't your thing there are relaxing mountain railways to explore with wonderful views. Further north, the amazing painted monasteries of southern Bucovina are unmissable. Set aside three days to see the best of them.
Summer is a great time to explore the Danube Delta, which is recovering from years of environmental abuse but remains one of Europe's greatest wetlands. Going out in a kayak is the best way to quietly explore the narrow waterways of the delta. The Black Sea coast around the lively, historic port of Costanza has good beaches and extensive Roman remains. Romania is also home to the second largest building in the world - the gigantic People's Palace in Bucharest.
The country is rapidly gearing up for tourism, and high standard facilities are opening all the time. This is an excellent year to see it before too many Jude Law fans besiege the best bits. British Airways (0870 850 9850; www. ba.com) flies to Bucharest from pounds 168 including taxes.
12 Cruising on the QM2
BUILT IN France but with Britishness drilled in at every rivet, the Queen Mary 2 is a sign of the continued prosperity of the cruise industry. Superlatives for Cunard's new liner are as plentiful as the champagne on board - the boat is 237 feet - or 21 storeys - tall, 1,131 feet long and 135 feet wide, and weighs 150,000 tonnes. The 2,620 passengers will enjoy all the facilities you'd expect - as well as the largest ballroom on the waves, a casino and a planetarium should you feel the need for one.
Anyone not tempted to take the QE2 during its final transatlantic season may be convinced to try out the QM2 as it assumes regular passage from Southampton to New York in April.
The new liner will also be serving a variety of other routes, visiting the Caribbean, South America and the Mediterranean. Prices can be not much more than a Business Class air fare (transatlantic crossings, including a return flight start at pounds 999), and sailing into Manhattan harbour beats a taxi from JFK any time. Cunard (0845 071 0300; www.cunard.com) can provide further information on the boat and other cruises.
If you're not sure how steady your sea legs are but still want a close-up view of the QM2, Blue Funnel Cruises (023 8022 3278; www.bluefunnel.co.uk) offers excursions from Southampton to view the liner on her maiden departure on 12 January 2004 for a mere pounds 25.
13 Go Clubbing in Senegal :cool:
IF CLUBBING weekends to British or European cities have lost the glitz they once had, think about somewhere a little more ambitious. Dakar, in Senegal, is one of Africa's liveliest and most cosmopolitan cities, and hitting the bars and nightclubs of the city is the most fun you can have in Africa without getting your safari gear off.
One of the best-known places is Youssou N'Dour's Club Thiossane but there's lots to choose from. As with any city with a vibrant nightlife the best places change all the time; the thing to do is to pick up listings magazines such as Dakar Tam Tam and seek advice when you get there. As well as local fusion sounds and western music you'll hear lots of Congolese or other African flavours. Hip-hop is massive in Senegal at the moment, especially local heroes such as Pee Frois.
Don't spend your whole time out on the town though. Dakar is close to the historic and peaceful Ile de Goree, where you can escape the fast pace of the city. To the north there are some of West Africa's best beaches and wildlife reserves where you can see monkeys, gazelles and hundreds of colourful species of birds. Senegal is a good value destination, with costs roughly half of those in Britain. Clubbers or anyone wanting to go the extra mile can fly to Dakar for around pounds 480 with Africa Travel Centre (0845 450 1519; www. africa-travel.co.uk).
14 The Silk Road by rail :eyes:
A TRIP ON the Trans-Siberian Railway has its disadvantages. Wonderful as it is to arrive in Beijing or Vladivostok without having left the ground, the monotony of the scenery and the high demand for seats on popular trains means that the journey has lost just a little of its mysterious allure. Rail enthusiasts should rest assured there is an alternative overland route to Beijing. This has varied scenery, passes through different countries and opens up more of China on the way.
Starting in Moscow, trains head to Almaty in Kazakhstan. You can either travel via the southern Russian city of Samara and the northern lake of what's left of the much-diminished Aral Sea, or take the Turkestan-Siberian (Turk-Sib) Railway south from Novosibirsk on the Trans-Siberian line. The latter option would give some experience of the Siberian terrain before the landscape changes into Central Asian steppe.
Almaty is a good place to recharge batteries and head into nearby mountains to stretch your legs: the gorges, lakes and peaks are little explored and very beautiful. On leaving, you'll be in no doubt you're on an ancient and well-trodden path. The Genghis Khan Express takes two nights to cross the 1,000 miles to Urumqi in China's Xinjiang Province. Urumqi is notable for being the farthest city in the world from the ocean and gateway to sights like Heavenly Lake (use your imagination) and the old Silk Road towns of Turpan and Kucha as well as for further explorations into the province.
From Urumqi it's 60 hours of deserts, steppe and the occasional mountain range straight through to Beijing, but given that you can easily head anywhere in northern China or even further south you'll want to make some detours. For tickets and other services try Russian Gateway (07050 803160; www.russiangateway. co.uk/visa.html) and China Train Tickets (www.china-train-ticket.com). It will be the most unusual journey you'll ever make.
15 Head for the Deep South
TAKE ADVANTAGE of the strength of the pound against the dollar and head south to see a different side of the United States. The timeless cities of Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina, are all about southern manners, relaxed strolls through historic streets and being close to quiet beaches that seem to roll on for ever.
Savannah is America's first planned city, with 22 elegant squares and well-preserved pre-American Civil War mansions, and has staged a revival in recent years. The best way to get a feel for the place is to explore it on foot. The Foley House Inn (00 1 912 232 6622; www. foleyinn.com) is a colourful, traditional bed and breakfast, and a good place to settle into for a few nights.
Up the coast is the smaller but no less charming Charleston. Small, unchanged nineteenth-century streets and a slightly eccentric feel add atmosphere to your explorations, and the avenues of oak covered in Spanish moss give a peculiar sense of place. There are lots of historic buildings which live on as classy hotels. Double rooms at the Wentworth Mansion (00 1 877 753 9704; www.wentworthmansion. com), originally an opulent private residence with hand-carved marble fireplaces and ornate stained glass windows, start at around pounds 200. Head to the web for more on these cities: visit www.georgiaonmymind.org for Savannah and www.charlestoncvb.com for Charleston.
16 Hip Portland and Oregon
IF YOU LOVED San Francisco and Seattle, Portland may be your ideal next destination. It combines the alternative spirit of the former with the hip microbreweries, coffee shops and live music scene of the latter. The city is a laid-back but fast-growing place, tucked into the north-west corner of Oregon at the junction of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. The busily rejuvenating downtown is where it all happens at night. People-watching with a beer or coffee is a popular pastime here.
Don't miss the McMenamins Kennedy School (www.mcmenamins.com/ Kennedy/). Once a real school, it is now a local hangout, with bars, a hotel and a cinema. Its Detention Bar is one of the town's most happening places to spend an evening. The cinema was the school auditorium.
Hire a car and explore the rest of the state. Oregon has a huge diversity of natural attractions. The Columbia River Highway runs through mountain and forest before reaching a deep gorge that's one of the American North-West's great sights. Mount Hood is the base for winter and summer outdoor pursuits in the shadow of this dormant volcano. Crater Lake National Park is named after the deepest lake in the United States and Silver Falls National park is home to hiking trails looping round a series of impressive cascades.
Getting to Portland is easy. It's a major air hub and is served by Amtrak trains, which head up and down the West coast and inland. Flights from the UK start at around pounds 350. Contact America Coast-to-Coast (01732 592105) for reservations. Travel Oregon (www.travel oregon.com) is a good starting point for planning.
17 Nuts for wildlife? Try the Pantanal, Brazil :eyes:
WHEN PEOPLE think of wildlife spotting in Brazil, they tend to
think of the Amazon, but in fact the dense foliage makes it difficult to see much. Far better to head further south to the Pantanal, a vast alluvial plain half the size of France that is probably the continent's best ecotourism destination. The world's largest inland wetland is home to jaguars, pumas, anteaters, iguana, anaconda, jabiru stork and tens of millions of alligators. Conducted tours can be arranged on arrival. These are essential as there's little infrastructure in this huge swampy wilderness.
When in the area, don't miss Bonito, home to a paradise of crystal clear springs and streams where snorkellers can float along through lush forest with hundreds of tropical fish for company.
If wildlife isn't your thing, there's a big contrast further east, in Minas Gerais. This state, once rich in gold from the mines that gave the area its name, is packed with well-preserved towns with brilliantly painted churches and colonial buildings. Sabara, Ouro Petro, Diamantina and Sao Joao del Rei are close enough to be explored in a few days. Few have any buildings dating from later than the turn of the nineteenth century. The history and beautiful scenery make Minas Gerais a great alternative to the coastal hot spots of Rio and Salvador.
A variety of tours are available from Audley Latin America (01869 276210; www.audleytravel.com).
18 Paralympic Games, Athens
THE PROUD Greeks will have Athens spick and span for the thousands of visitors expected to attend the Olympic Games in August, but finding a place to bed down then will be a Herculean task. Schedule your visit for the Paralympics instead on 17-28 September, when it will be easier to see events, cooler and probably a lot more enjoyable.
The Parthenon, atop the Acropolis, is the city's crowning glory, and is best appreciated in the evening with a stroll along the new walkway from Monastiraki to Thissio. The marble path is lined with hip bars and restaurants, but carnivores should wait until they reach To Steki tou Ilia for sublime charcoal-grilled lamb chops, Greek salad and tzatziki.
To get a feel for just how old Athens is, check out the strata and archaeological gems along the walls of the Athens metro. Take a dip in the Saronic Gulf, have an ice cream with the locals in upmarket seaside suburb Glyfada, take day trips to Cape Sounio or the picture perfect island of Hydra.
For inner city luxury chic stay at the St George Lycabettus Hotel (www.sg lycabettus.gr). For more information on the Paralympics visit www.Athens 2004.com or the Greek National Tourist Office (020 7495 9300; www.gnto.gr).
19 Embrace the new EU mmm :)
FROM 1 May 2004 the European Union welcomes a host of new member countries, giving them a much bigger profile and promising easier travel to some exciting areas of Europe.
The Mediterranean destinations of Malta and Cyprus will be well known but there's much more to explore. Dozens of small towns in the Czech Republic and Hungary rival the charms of Prague and Budapest, offering better value and fewer crowds. Poland's history is as remarkable as the mountains it shares with Slovakia. Slovenia has been growing in popularity as a hiking, skiing and city-break destination for some time. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania form a compact and fascinating cultural and natural region that's perfect for city breaks or longer wanderings.
New routes are already opening up, with low-cost flights to Bratislava and Budapest with Sky Europe (020 7365 0365; www.skyeurope.com) and Warsaw with Air Polonia (00 48 22 575 00 00; www.airpolonia.com). Expect these to be the first of many.
20 Discover Portugal beyond the goalposts :)
FOOTBALL fans will be descending on Portugal from 12 June to 4 July for the Euro 2004 championships to see if Thierry Henry and his French teammates can retain their title. Lisbon, Faro, Leiria, Coimbra, Aveiro, Porto, Guimares and Braga are hosting matches, and each city will be polished and looking at its finest. England play all but one of their matches in the capital. Portugal is an ideal country to host a tournament like this. It's small enough to make getting around easy by train, bus or car, and the weather should be warm sunshine at this time of year. Most three to five-star hotel accommodation and many campsites, hostels, and guesthouses in the host cities have been block-reserved by the official accommodation agency (www.aa.euro 2004.com) which you can book through to secure a room.
Portugal is a beautiful country so make time to get away from the championships and see some more of it. Contact the Portuguese Tourist Office (020 7494 5720; www.portugalinsite.com).
21 Bizzare Britain
LOOK AGAIN if you think you've really seen everything that makes Britain such a fun place to explore. Seeking out the slightly different and bizarre celebrations and festivals in Britain is fast becoming a popular pastime and part of our colourful hidden heritage.
The International Toe Wrestling Championships in Wetton, Staffordshire, pull in big crowds and, no doubt, big toes.
If attending or competing in the World Bog Snorkelling Championships at Llanwrtyd, Powys, on 30 August seems a bit too last- year, why not enter the World Mountain Bike Bog Snorkelling Championships at the same venue on Saturday 10 July (http:// llanwrtyd-wells.powys.org.uk/ eventbogbike.htm)? Contestants in both events must complete two lengths of a murky 55 metre trench, swimming with snorkel and flippers or by bike.
A more ancient festival, but no less bizarre, is the Baal Fire, a procession through Allendale, Northumberland, of flaming tar barrels carried by 'guisers', local people who blacken their faces for the occasion on New Year's Eve. No one is sure whether its history lies in Viking or pagan times, but it's fascinating to watch.
So whether you fancy chasing cheese down hills, racing sheep or hens, or competing to be the world's best gurner - a puller of odd faces - there's a fresh and barmy festival that's the perfect excuse to behave strangely. Visit Britain (020 8846 9000; www.visitbritain.com) has more information on these and other simple, eccentric pleasures.
22 Will Jordan Jump into Egypt's place?
RECORD numbers of tourists went to Egypt last year, completing its recovery from the slump of previous years. In 2004 it could be the turn of Jordan as those in search of smaller crowds and better deals look elsewhere. It isn't hard to see why.
Petra is Jordan's amazing must-see attraction, but there's thousands of years of history to explore from the Roman remains at Jerash and the citadel in the capital, Amman, to crusader castles such as Karak and the traditional stone village of Dana.
Jordan also has many natural attractions. The breathtaking desert landscapes of Wadi Rum compare with the world's best, Wadi Mujib's canyons are great for hiking and, whether you like your sea Red or Dead, there's somewhere to cool off. Aqaba is the picturesque gateway to excellent diving and snorkel-ling.
If you add into this cocktail the warm welcome of the Jordanian people, the chance to eat some of the world's best hummus and falafel and the opportunity to see Jordan when it's quiet, this could be one of the best ever times to visit. Arabian Odyssey (01242 224482; www.arabianodyssey. co.uk) offers eight-day trips to the highlights of Jordan for pounds 829 a head.
23 Biking round Britain
MORE UK cycling paths than ever will be open in 2004 so now's the time to get out on two wheels.
Leaving the car behind involves seeking out paths that take you away from cities and out into countryside where you're never far from a convenient pub or B&B. Designed for this purpose, the National Cycle Network now covers 7,000 miles on quiet or traffic- free routes. Whether you're having a day out or a cycling holiday there's a route that matches your needs.
High-profile rides include the Sea to Sea route from Workington in Cumbria to Newcastle upon Tyne and the Cornish Way from Land's End to Bude. Popular trails can get crowded especially at weekends or during holidays, but there are plenty of routes to choose from.
There are many other ways to get involved. Sustrans (www.sustrans. org.uk), the sustainable transport charity behind the National Cycle Network, periodically requires volunteers to help clear paths for new cycleways such as the Ancient Stones Cycle Route, which is due to open in 2005.
As well as the exercise, cycling is a cheap, sociable holiday for individuals and families. You can make up your itinerary as you go along, and pedalling will always show you a new side to familiar territory.
24 Se Petersburg by Sea ;)
BEAUTIFUL St Petersburg becomes more accessible in 2004 with the opening of a new ferry service from Germany to the Russian city.
The Silja Line (www.silja.de) will be operating a three-times weekly ferry service from Rostock in Germany.
The journey takes nearly 40 hours and includes a short stop in Tallinn, Estonia. This route makes Russia more accessible for drivers as well as making the trip to St Petersburg as easy as a hop over the North Sea, a skip through northern Germany and a jump across the Baltic. See www.ctic.spb.ru for more details of the city.
25 Hong Kong bounces back after Sars
CHINA HAS recovered from any after-effects of Sars and looks set to become one of the most popular long-haul destinations of 2004.
Hong Kong is well established as a stopover or gateway to the People's Republic. It's also a fun destination in its own right, particularly if you can time your visit to coincide with one of the many festivals and special events that occur throughout the year.
The joys of the Rugby Sevens are well known, but for local pride and colour you can't beat the June Dragon Boat Festival, where duelling longboats race to the beat of heavy drums at various locations. Though you can watch the action from the riverside for free, all that exertion may make you want to get on the water yourself. Hong Kong has opportunities for sailing, windsurfing and kayaking as well as several good swimming beaches.
At night, head for the bars of Central Hong Kong Island to hang out with the hip crowd. If you still haven't seen enough of modern Hong Kong, splash out on somewhere fashionable to stay. Try the tasteful, trendy rooms at the Ice House (www.icehouse.com.hk) which start at around pounds 70 per night. The Hong Kong Tourism Board in London (020 7533 7100; www.discoverhongkong. com) can provide further information.
26 Back to Bali :eyes:
THE 2002 BALI bombings, in which more than 200 people died, have had a profound effect on the Indonesian island's tourism industry. The For eign Office is still advising Britons against all non- essential travel to the region. Yet Bali is calm now and if it stays that way a wave of British visitors may be tempted to join the trickle of foreign tourists who have returned there this year. This depends on a number of factors including any alteration in the FO advice but the promise of value-for-money flight and accommodation packages means Bali still has the potential to be one of the hot destinations of 2004.
If you want something more than scenery and sunshine, the island rewards any effort to go beyond the tourist experience. A few kilometres from the commercialised haunts are villages where people live in traditional houses and continue a timeless round of religious rituals and rice cultivation.
Consider less traditional activities which will take you into the heart of the island. Surfing, diving and snorkelling are incredibly popular, and walking is a great way to explore the quiet side of Bali. You can walk from village to village along small tracks and between rice paddies: Amlapura in eastern Bali features a winding road which passes pretty villages, tall bamboos and beautiful distant sea views.
The Bali Indonesia Travel Portal (www.indo.com) is the best source for travel information on Bali, and you can keep up to date with the latest advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (0870 606 0290; www.fco.gov.uk).
27 French Beach with a difference, La Rochelle
WHISKING your loved one to Paris is a lovely, romantic gesture. Of late it's become increasingly good value so you may have to work a little harder to impress that special someone. If a little Gallic romance is in order, think about going a little further and making a weekend of it. Students of French may laugh at the mention of La Rochelle, immortalised as the holiday destination of choice in Tricolore textbooks, but the town is one of France's most attractive seaside destinations.
Take the Friday afternoon Ryanair flight from Stansted and you can be exploring the Vieux Port in time for dinner. The town is lively and fashionable and has hundreds of places to eat.
As you might expect, fish is on the menu most often. Try Le Comptoire des Voyages (00 33 5 46 50 62 60) which has a set menu for around pounds 25. It mixes global inspiration with local ingredients in a swish setting. Alternatively, take a stroll round the old town and ask at your hotel to get a flavour for where's hot to dine.Visit in summer to take advantage of the excellent beaches on the nearby Ile de Re. Stay in the historic Hotel Henri IV (00 33 5 46 41 25 79) in the pedestrianised old city from around pounds 50. Practise that French at www.larochelle-tourisme.com.
28 Will Denmark be the new Glastonbury
THE UK POP festival season is famous for great music, not so great toilets and either baking sun or mud baths. It's been getting harder to get tickets for Glastonbury, the jewel in the crown of the season. This year, rather than battle with always-busy phone lines or hours of angst on eBay trying to score a ticket, head abroad for some other dates on the festival calendar. The Roskilde festival in Denmark (www.roskilde-festival.dk) is one of the Continent's great music events, with an anarchic spirit, some of the world's best bands and hordes of music fans from all over Europe.
It will be held on 1-4 July and tickets start at pounds 100. Roskilde is near Copenhagen, and budget flights mean you'll probably get home a lot quicker than if you went to Glastonbury.
29 Galicia - the lush, green Spain
Galicia, in north-western Spain, is again welcoming visitors after the oil spill of November 2002. Its coast is dotted with traditional fishing villages, beaches and coves. The inlets on the west-facing coast, of which Rias Bajas is the most impressive, are home to such towns as Cambados and Pontevedra that have atmospheric old centres to explore. In summer, the Islas Cies offer the best natural scenery. The regional capital, the port of La Coruna is vibrant and easy on the eye. It is home to the Torre de Hercules, a lighthouse built by the Romans. If you wander inland you will find classic rural scenery, green rolling hills and isolated farmhouses.
The nearby provinces of Asturias and Cantabria offer more of the same, plus the Picos de Europa, which has some of Spain's most stunning mountain scenery. Go in spring to see the country at its blooming best. The Spanish Tourist Office (020 7486 8077; www.uk.tourspain.es) has plenty more on Espana Verde.
30 Paradise in Sri Lanka
After decades of civil war, peace has returned to this teardrop- shaped island in the Indian Ocean. Since a ceasefire between the government and the Tamil Tigers was agreed in February 2002 only limited areas in the north and east are out of bounds to tourists.
The highlights? Drinking coconut milk from the shell on a palm- fringed beach, a night climb to Adam's Peak to see the sunrise, jungle safaris to spot elephant, monkeys and birds of paradise, snorkelling with sea turtles in the ocean, fresh papaya juice, Buddhist temples, ruined cities, curries which make your eyes water and the friendliest people anywhere, all wrapped in a small, perfectly formed package. See www. srilankatourism.org/.
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